Do you remember the Fab Four (The Beatles) singing blithely, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?”
Well, ‘84’ is the new ‘64’ and I’m sure there are many in that age-group who voice these doubts, silently or otherwise. Insecurity is an integral component of the senior citizen’s psyche, more so when they cannot live independently and have to move to a facility.
Recently, I was invited to a tea party at Eventide Home, a retirement home in Pune, and the get-together made me realise that it is not the physical space that makes for an enjoyable gathering but the desire of the participants, who made sure that a good time was had by all.
A genuine effort was made by all to dress for the occasion. The hosts, Lakshmi and Renelle had organised games, which pushed both physical and mental boundaries. Conversations laced with laughter and good-natured teasing; an air of bonhomie enveloped the room. The icing on the cake was the arrival of Baby Yael — who could resist smiling at the adorable munchkin! She made it all the more charming by distributing prizes to the winning team. Psssst... I was in the winning team and in this video I am to the far right in the tie-dye dress.
Tea and snacks brought the evening to a close. Farewells were said, all looking forward to the next get-together, which our hosts promised would be soon. I was happy, knowing I would not have to wait too long to spend another evening with my new-found friends. O hosts an evening such as this once every month, typically, on Fridays or Saturdays for senior citizens.
Eventide Home could aptly be described as a suitable ‘home away from home’. The residents share warmth and companionship; nothing could assuage the stress of a lonely existence in a more befitting manner, especially when one is combatting ill-health.
Kudos to the participants and the team of office bearers and volunteers of O!
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